SCOTUS Ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor Enables LGBTQ+ Discrimination, Harms True Religious Freedom

Decision opens floodgates to further discrimination, undermines education

WASHINGTON, DC – Interfaith Alliance, a national leader in defending religious freedom and multi-faith democracy, is deeply disturbed by the Supreme Court’s ruling today in the case of Mahmoud v. Taylor. The decision clears the way for further discrimination against diverse groups and undermines public education. While falsely claiming the mantle of religious freedom, it in fact suppresses diversity and promotes exclusion. 

In this case, the court ruled in favor of a group of parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, who argued that their inability to opt their children out of instruction involving storybooks with LGBTQ+ characters constituted a violation of their religious freedom under the First Amendment.

“Simply allowing children to learn the fundamental reality that LGBTQ people exist in the world, and to learn about their perspectives and experiences does not infringe on anyone’s First Amendment rights,” said Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. “True religious freedom is about diversity and tolerance – communities learning to live peacefully and respectfully alongside each other despite our differences.”

Interfaith Alliance filed an amicus curiae brief in the case, arguing that a decision by the Supreme Court to allow parents to opt out their children from engaging with even the existence LGBTQ+ people would open the floodgates to further educational content bans. It emphasized that Christian nationalist groups may seek to prevent their children from learning about Jews, Muslims, and other faith groups, or other histories and identities they oppose.

“I want my children to be introduced to the families and traditions of Muslims, Jews, and many other faiths and identities,” Rev. Raushenbush said. “There’s little doubt that Christian nationalist groups will soon seek the right to opt out from any educational content they object to. It’s a dangerous slippery slope that starts with discrimination against the gay community, but doesn’t stop there.”

Interfaith Alliance agrees with Justice Sotomayor’s strong dissent, joined by Justices Kagan and Jackson, that this decision “threatens the very essence of public education.” 

Rev. Raushenbush is available for interview to discuss the dangerous outcome of Mahmoud v. Taylor. Other available Interfaith Alliance spokespeople include:

• Maggie Siddiqi, Senior Fellow, who previously served in the Department of Education as Director of the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. 
• Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, Vice President of Programs and Strategy, a leading Christian expert on Christian nationalism and progressive faith organizing. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Ben DePasquale, bdepasquale@westendstrategy.com

#####

‍Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.